Father of Indian navy
Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was a great warrior and strategist of India. In in1974, he laid the foundation of the Maratha dynasty in western India He is popularly known as Maharaj. Shivaji was born in the Shivneri Fort in Maharashtra on 19 February 1630 to mother Jijabai and father Shahaji Bhosle. It is said that mother Jijabai to goddess Shivai on Shivneri fort for a brave son and kept her son name as Shivaji.
At 15 years, he conquered the Torna Fort. The Chakan fort and the Kondana Fort were taken by bribing the Adil Shahi governor. Afzal Khan tried to attempt treachery with Raje Shivaji, Shivaji killed him with Tiger claws. He became the biggest enemy of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. He was arrested in Agra Fort by Aurangzeb, but he escaped by using great wits. In 1674 he was coronated.
In late March 1680, he fell ill with fever and dysentery(blood from excrement), dying around 3–5 April 1680 at the age of 52, on the eve of Hanuman Jayanti. Rumors followed his death, with Muslims believing he had died because of a curse from Jan Muhammad of Jalna. Some also believe that his second wife, Soyarabai, poisoned him so that his crown might pass to her 10-year-old son Rajaram.
After his death, the widowed Soyarabai made plans with various ministers of the administration to crown her son Rajaram rather than her prodigal stepson Sambhaji. On 21 April 1680, ten-year-old Rajaram was installed on the throne. However, Sambhaji took possession of the Raigad Fort after killing the commander. On 18 June, he acquired control of Raigad, and formally ascended the throne on 20 July.s
5 Facts about Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj that every Indian should know
1. Known as the Father of the Indian Navy, Shivaji was the first to realize the importance of having a naval force, and therefore he strategically established a navy and forts at the coastline to defend the Konkan side of Maharashtra. The Jaigad, Vijaydurg, Sindhudurg, and other such forts still stand to testify his efforts and ideas.
2. Contrary to popular belief, Shivaji was not named after Lord Shiva. He was named after a regional Goddess Shivai. His mother prayed to the goddess for a son and was blessed with one. The god-like statue was given to him for his deeds, and not his name.
3. The secular ruler was very accommodating of all religions. He had numerous Muslim soldiers in his army. His only aim was to overthrow Mughal rule and establish the Maratha empire. He was also very supportive of people who converted to Hinduism.
4. Shivaji was a dependable supporter of women and their honor. He opposed all kinds of violence, harassment, and dishonor against women. Anyone under his rule caught violating woman’s rights was severely punished. Women of captured territories were also released unharmed, and with integrity.
5. Chhatrapati Shivaji was called the ‘Mountain Rat’ and was widely known for his guerrilla warfare tactics. He was called so because of his awareness of the geography of his land, and guerrilla tactics like raiding, ambushing, and surprise attacks on his enemies. He knew the importance of a good army, and with his skills, expanded his father’s 2000 soldier army to 10,000 soldiers.s
